Pair arrested on prostitution charges

NEWPORT – A man and woman were arrested and jailed Thursday, charged with running a prostitution business in Newport. Their downfall was their distribution throughout town of business cards advertising the service.

One of the cards, saying that “Harley and Hog” could “fulfill your fantasies” for couples, males or females, ended up in the hands of police. The cards advertised exotic dancers, reasonable rates and discretion. The couple used cell phones to set up arrangements with their clients.

Newport Police Chief James Ricker said Friday that police obtained one of the business cards and, after an investigation, arrested Debra Sinclair, 34, of Columbia, and Michael Stanley, 41, of Harrington.

Ricker said his investigation revealed that the pair had come to Newport after setting up similar operations in five other Maine and New Hampshire communities.

Sinclair was charged with the Class E crime of engaging in prostitution. She was taken to Penobscot County Jail and later released on bail.

Stanley was charged with promoting prostitution, a Class D crime, and is being held at Penobscot County Jail for a probation violation. Ricker said Stanley “was clearly impaired” when arrested, which was a violation of his conditions of probation. Ricker said the man was on probation for convictions for operating while under the influence and being a habitual offender and that he is prohibited from using drugs and alcohol.

Stanley has a criminal history with numerous convictions, including OUI and assault. He was released from jail just last November, said Ricker.

The couple, who are boyfriend and girlfriend, are scheduled for an initial court appearance in Newport District Court on April 17.

Ricker said this was his first commercial prostitution investigation in his 21-year tenure with the Newport Police Department. Four Newport officers and three Dover-Foxcroft officers assisted in the investigation.